The Center for Security Policy is very proud to provide as a member of the Coalition for the Common Defense a tool for American taxpayers and communities – and their elected representatives – to anticipate not only the national security impacts, but the economic ones, arising from impending reductions in U.S. defense spending.

Our goal is to encourage and empower a more informed discussion about the economic impacts, as well as the national security impacts, of the impending defense cuts. We want to help bring this discussion to the local employers, citizens and community and business leaders who will need to prepare for possible job losses and business failures.

Get the “National Average” defense budget cut estimate for your community

The purpose of the Defense Breakdown Economic Impact Reports is to help citizens, local businesses and their employees, and local governments to prepare for the probable economic impact of both levels of defense budget cuts. In 2013, these cuts in defense jobs and businesses will hit counties, cities and industries across America. This report shows how “National Average” defense budget reductions of at least 9% and 18% could affect cities, counties, states, congressional districts and categories of business owners (ethnic, women-owned, veteran-owned etc), using actual 2010 data for revenues received by local contractors.

In 2012, President Obama limited U.S. military capability to fighting one “regional conflict” and one “holding action.” Defense budgets for 2013-2021 were cut $487 billion – a 9% cut, at a minimum.

“Sequestration,” required by law with passage of the Budget Control Act in 2011, mandates $500 billion more in 2013-2021 defense cuts – an 18% cut, at a minimum. President Obama said he will veto any attempt by Congress to reverse these cuts.

The “Sequestration” mechanism is a tool that was agreed to in the Budget Control Act approved by Congress last July in 2011. “Sequestration” went into effect when the Super Committee, also created as part of this legislation, failed to agree upon $1.2 trillion in budget savings through spending cuts and new taxes. “Sequestration” requires mandatory across-the-board spending cuts divided equally between non-defense and defense spending. “Sequestration” disproportionately affects our national security, which only accounts for 20% of the federal budget but must supply 50% of the spending cuts.